Paul Rigge and James Hawkins entertained a group of around 80 physicists from the University of Manchester on 24th July.

This was a repeat of last year’s golf croquet awayday for the research department. Three short lawns were laid out at the Chancellors Hotel in Manchester, players were kept busy for about five hours and the practiced hands didn’t break any mallets! This year, some of the keenest players ventured towards association croquet (or a hybrid garden version of it), with a resolution to head to Bowdon for more competitive play.

After two years, this event seems to be a regular fixture in the Physics Department calendar. The venue is scheduled for redevelopment over the winter, so a new location is being sought for 2020.

As last year yet again we had scorching HOT sunshine. After the overnight rain the lawns were initially slow but soon became fast playing surfaces as we welcomed for the second year players to Bury Croquet Club for this ‘C’ Level Golf Tournament.

Some of the players present were playing in their first ever CA scheduled Tournament and it soon became evident that they were just as determined to play well and at least gain points for this event.

The format was all play all with time limit. Only one game went to time with several finishing well within the time limit

David Cornes, from Crake Valley, was once again our Tournament Referree. His presence proved invaluable to the players and Tournament Managers alike with his helpful and constant attention whenever required

It soon became apparent that Izzy Poyntz from Bishop Monkton was using her prowess and strong hitting to successfully remove her opponents balls whilst she herself scored a succession of good hoops. On her heels were David Leach (Bury) and Sandra Cornes (Crake Valley) but both lost their games with Izzy.

When all the rounds had finished, however it became abundantly clear that Izzy had won all bar one of her games, closely followed by David Leach and John Trwoga (his first tournament) who had lost two games each but David had better net hoop figures. Sandra managed fourth place with a better net hoop figure of 0 to Roger Harper’s -1.

At this point, as everyone was totally exhausted by the heat, and we had 4 clear places at the top all agreed that we would finish the tournament at that point.

The club was delighted to offer two players a place in their first CA tournament, James Thomas from Llanfairfechan and Benedict O’Connor a teacher from Stonyhurst College. Benedict, under the wing of the NW Federation, is developing the game for the students. The other returning players showed their class in offering support and encouragement to these new tournament players. Tournament Referee Ken Jones did a great job helping them with the finer points as they came up.

As usual it was a strict Swiss event of 5 rounds, the draw being made with numbered sticks of Blackpool Rock. Light drizzle fell slowly all day but the new drainage system, partially funded by the CA, kept the lawns unpuddled and entirely playable all day.

An early lawn inspection took place on Sunday due to constant overnight rain. Despite the nearby Seniors Open Golf at Royal Lytham being postponed until 1pm, the Fylde Lawns were entirely playable. We started round four with James and Philip Bass both on 3/3.

Even the most optimistic of us thought this could be the final round. The ending of this game is worth a few words – six minutes remaining, Philip’s turn started on 4b and Rover, James on Penult and Rover. Philip was forced to play his Rover ball and leveled the scores by running it. He lined up a take-off from the reception ball to set a leave but in his croquet stroke failed to shake the ball. Instantly, he called the fault and James was able to secure a plus 2 win from there.

During the lunch break the rain had stopped and the drainage worked, so round five was able to proceed in what turned out to be the best session of the tournament.

James won his final game 26 – 0 with some bisques remaining, throwing in a well organised Rover peel while running 5. James also received the tournament handicapper’s reduction with delight. John Henderson put in a solid 4/5 as runner up.